1 May 2020
The Times, Geoff Brown
Beethoven: The Piano Concertos
Studio Master: CDA68291/3  3CDs  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Wonderful, almost miraculous … there isn’t a colour, weight of attack or nuance of phrasing or rhythm that passes [Hough] by’ (The Times)» More

1 May 2020
Stereophile, Jason Victor Serinus
Brahms: The Complete Songs, Vol. 9 - Robin Tritschler
Studio Master: CDJ33129  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Master accompanist Graham Johnson's ongoing exploration of the piano-accompanied songs of Brahms is a godsend. You may think the same thing about sweet-voiced Irish tenor Robin Tritschler once you've heard his deeply felt, sensitive treatment of the opening song … in the songs that show him at his best on this perfectly balanced recording, Tritschler is a gift’ (Stereophile)
PERFORMANCE
RECORDING
1 May 2020

Brahms: The Complete Songs, Vol. 9 - Robin Tritschler
Studio Master: CDJ33129  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘The mood is predominantly reflective, gently folkish and naive throughout, which proves a good match for Tritschler’s youthful, firm tenor and bright, straightforward interpretations. He captures beautifully the artlessness of the early ‘Mondnacht’ and the urgency of ‘In der Fremde’ … he's superb in the folk songs themselves, as well as such irresistible folky numbers as ‘Sonntag’ … with the usual high-quality documentation and engineering, this is an excellent addition to this series, and one that amply demonstrates what a superb Lieder singer Tritschler is’ (Gramophone)
1 May 2020

Esquivel: Missa Hortus conclusus, Magnificat & motets
Studio Master: CDA68326  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘De Profundis are an ensemble I admire … they certainly fulfil their brief here: low, bold and more demonstrative than many of the English ensembles who also explore Iberian polyphony, their sound is rich … and anchored by the attractive grain of the bajón played by Nicholas Perry. From Hyperion’s point of view the sound is superb: warm and gently resonant … an extremely enjoyable and atmospheric recording’ (Gramophone)
1 May 2020

Fading
Studio Master: CDA68285  Temporarily out of stock  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘I need hardly add that, this being a Hyperion release, the recording is very good, the texts and translations are provided, the latter in meaningful English, and the notes are thorough and informative, helping to understand the music as well as giving its context … those who have heard the Gesualdo Six’s earlier recordings will need no urging to go for this new release. Everyone else should seriously consider buying both this survey of music across the centuries and the English Motets album, with their Christmas recording on CDA68299 saved on your calendar for later in the year’ (MusicWeb International)
1 May 2020

Homage to Godowsky
Studio Master: CDA68310  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Prepare yourself for a deliciously scintillating potpourri of choice delicacies, full of character and charm, the sort that has virtually disappeared from concert life today but which, in the early decades of the 20th century, held audiences in thrall … Gugnin approaches these works on their own terms so that, far from seeming dated or brittle, they emerge fresh and full of vitality and charm. So for listeners suffering Beethoven fatigue, or those nostalgic for bygone days before the planet was doomed—or those who would simply like to hear some incredibly good piano-playing—this is the album for you’ (Gramophone)
1 May 2020

Howells: Missa Sabrinensis & Michael Fanfare
Studio Master: CDA68294  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘If you don’t know Howells’ music, this splendid new recording of one of his most powerful works is likely to win new friends’ (MusicWeb International)
1 May 2020

The Early Horn
Studio Master: CDA68289  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘The Danish horn player Ursula Paludan Monberg, thoroughly in command of her instrument, produces a miraculously smooth and agile line with secure tuning. She forms euphonious partnerships with oboe d’amore player Katharina Spreckelsen, violinist Michael Gurevich and recorder player Sarah Humphrys, while the continuo section of Arcangelo, led by Jonathan Cohen’s harpsichord, provides firm support. The recording convincingly places the listener in the room with the players, tying down the notoriously elusive horn to a precise spot on the soundstage. Excellent notes by Monberg’s former teacher Andrew Clark enhance the appeal of this disc.’ (BBC Music Magazine)
PERFORMANCE
RECORDING
30 April 2020

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos
Studio Master: CDA68291/3  3CDs  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘This is a deeply rewarding and distinguished set of the Beethoven piano concertos. Stephen Hough, Hannu Lintu and the excellent FRSO are perceptive and stylish interpreters of the music … the performances have been captured in lovely clean and clear sound with just the right amount of hall ambience. The balance between the Bösendorfer piano and the orchestra is excellent as, indeed, is the internal orchestral balance. The booklet includes valuable notes by Beethoven expert Barry Cooper … we’re less than half-way through 2020 but I suspect that this set will be high on my list when the MusicWeb International reviewers are asked to nominate Recordings of the Year’ (MusicWeb International)» More
28 April 2020

Esquivel: Missa Hortus conclusus, Magnificat & motets
Studio Master: CDA68326  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Spanish music from this period requires a particularly intense tone and, often, a dark hue and the twenty-two voices, no matter what the combination, achieve this every time … the recording was made in a church on the outskirts of Cambridge which I know well and I think has one of the very best acoustics for choral works as proven here. I feel sure that this could well be a disc that will achieve awards’ (MusicWeb International)» More
24 April 2020

Brahms: The Final Piano Pieces
Studio Master: CDA68116  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Hough’s phrasing brings out the improvisational nature of many of these pieces, and his skill at clarifying what are frequently highly complex textures is quite exemplary. The breadth of his approach can be gauged by listening to the second and third pieces of the Op 118 set. The Intermezzo is marked to be played tenderly; it would be a challenge to find a pianist who responds to that indication more readily than does Hough here. The playing is, in many respects, straightforward and communicative, but the difference between the piano of the opening and the pianissimo of the repeat of the theme at the eighth bar is very affecting indeed. The opening of the following Ballade is marked energico. Hough’s brilliant staccato touch is just what is required … Hough’s playing has been beautifully recorded in two different venues. In addition to the pianist’s own short introduction, the booklet also contains an excellent listening guide by Misha Donat’ (MusicWeb International)» More
19 April 2020

Homage to Godowsky
Studio Master: CDA68310  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Gugnin’s jaw-dropping, transcendental technique makes light of bravura showpieces by Blumenfeld, Friedman, the English composer Joseph Holbrooke and Moszkowski—catnip for pianophiles’ (The Sunday Times)
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